Acne Cosmetica is a skin condition wherein acne is caused by or made worse by cosmetics or any product applied to the skin.

When you break out it means that you are internally or externally overloaded and your skin cannot fight off the bacteria by itself. By applying makeup to hide acne it adds another layer of ‘stress’ to the skin and makes it more difficult for your body to manage your skins health. The trouble with makeup is not limited to clogged pores as many people may assume, there are many lesser known ways that makeup can cause or worsen acne.

Causes of Acne related to Make-up:

Clogged pores

Excess Oil

Dehydration

Toxins and Liver overload

Stress

Let’s break it down:

Clogged Pores are the obvious threat of Acne Cosmetica. When makeup is ‘caked’ onto the face it seeps into the pores and causes irritation that the body tries to fight off in the form of a pimple.

Excess Oil is another obvious threat to our complexions, one that is the start of a viscous circle of playing cover-up and catch-up. However, some make-up’s actually contain the oil that acne bacteria thrives off of and creates a wonderful breeding ground for acne to thrive. Did you know that if your skin gets too dried out it will actually create more oil then it actually needs? (See ‘dehydration’)

Dehydration can happen if you go the opposite route. Many people apply powders and cover-ups to ‘reduce shine’ when they are out and about. And these powders do their job; by sucking up excess oil your skin is temporarily void of shine. However, by eliminating the natural oils your body actually overcorrects and starts secreting more oil to keep the skin from dehydrating. This then clogs the pores, acne thrives, and we begin to cover it up again (cue viscous circle)

Toxins and liver overload are related to the specific makeup itself. Many brands of make-up are riddled with chemicals that the manufactures believe are vital to the performance of the product. These chemicals are absorbed into our skin (our largest living organ) and must be filtered out by our liver. When these toxins become too much to handle the skin begins to fight back with white blood cells and becomes inflamed. For example: Mineral foundations with Bismuth Oxychloride can cause itchy skin, clogged pores, and, in worst case scenarios, respiratory illness.

Stress does not actually relate to makeup but weakens the skin so that it is less able to fight off all of the causes above.

Tips to counteract Acne Cosmetica:

We are not going to tell you not to wear make-up because (1) that is not the problem and (2) a girl needs to dress up whenever she feels fit. However, we do have a few tips to keep in mind when you do need to cover up.

Choosing the wrong type of make-up will clog your pores and cause future breakouts. Make sure you try a few products and find one that works with your skin type. Remember, natural is always better.

Find an oil-free concealer and oil-free foundation. Mineral makeup is often the best way to make your skin appear smooth without using any dangerous chemicals. It is light and airy enough for your skin to breath, has no oil, and will not clog your pores. Just make sure to avoid anything with silica as the fine particles can penetrate the pores.

Try to avoid using dry powders as often as possible, especially if your skin is in the middle of a break-out. As mentioned, these dry powders will suck up excess oil but may dry out your skin to the point of revolt, and your skin will oil up again.

On that note, specialized moisturizers, like ZENMED’s AVT Cream, are a wonderful way to keep your skin hydrated without adding any oil to the situation. Keep your skin moisturized every day before applying make-up. It will also act as a barrier for harmful chemicals. Natural moisturizers are best.

Using a non-abrasive exfoliating cleanser, like ZENMED’s Refining Scrub, to wash your face will help life dead skin and clear out clogged pores, treating the underlying issues. Do not use a scrub; this will irritate your skin further and may spread the acne. Use a sponge or washcloth.

Wash your face with warm to hot water to open the skins pores and remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Rinse with cool water to shrink pores and stimulate circulation.

Vitamin A, C, and E help reduce inflammation.

Always cleanse your make-up applicators as to not spread any bacteria.

Do not wear a scarf around your face, it will trap unwanted moisture.

Make-up is a temporary fix. Go bare on days you do not have to leave the house to let your skin breathe.

Make-up is not necessarily going to make your acne worse in all cases, however it will make it more difficult for the skin to heal the acne that is already there.

Remember:

The zit is not as big as you think

Good friends will not care, everybody gets pimples.

Wear red lipstick to draw attention to your lips. Red is also a mood booster.

You can point it out to a friend. They will either say they have not noticed or give you helpful tips on what they do.